Aleksander Sekulic: 'We saw that we can play even without Luka Doncic' / News - Basketnews.com

Slovenian NT coach Aleksander Sekulic revealed the idea to test things when Luka Doncic was not on the court in the last friendly match against Croatia. As stated by the specialist, things worked out pretty well.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Slovenia finished their preparation games with a perfect 6-0 record, defeating Croatia in the last friendly match.

Coach Aleksander Sekulic and captain Goran Dragic spoke about the outgoing preparation cycle with Sport Klub.

Not everything is flawless yet, but Slovenia is on the right track, they claim.

"We still have a lot to do, but we are on the good path," said Dragic after the game.

Sekulic reiterated one of his leaders' words: "Not all players are in top form yet, but I believe that we will get there."

Dragic lifted his team in the third quarter, scoring 14 points. Slovenia poured in 36 points against the Croats in the third period and retook game control into their hands.

"I'm still saving up a little for these friendly matches. But there will be no savings when it comes to the official games. We are ready. It won't be easy, but we are happy for every challenge and we can't wait to face them," stressed the 36-year-old, who is proving that age is just a number.

Croatia won the first half, 46-41, but Slovenians kicked into a higher gear after the break and showed that they are defending European champions.

"We corrected our game in the second half and had an excellent third quarter. The reaction of the players after coming from the locker room was fantastic.

Then we saw that we can play even without Luka Doncic. It was also the idea to test things when he is not on the court," Aleksander Sekulic pointed out.

Luka Doncic ended up with 10 points (1/2 2PT, 1/7 3PT, 5/8 FT), 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal in 21 minutes.

With prep games finished, Slovenia is set for the 2023 World Cup European Qualifiers. The squad will meet Estonia and Germany on August 25 and 28 accordingly.

After WC Qualifiers, the focus then switches to EuroBasket for the start of September. Slovenia will be based in Cologne for the initial group phase as they face France, Lithuania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, and the hosts, Germany, from September 1 to 7.

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